Joseph "Joe" Villirillo

Joseph “Joe” Villirillo, 88, passed away at his home on June 19, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on May 22, 1930 to Luigi and Rose Villirillo. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines in 1947. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the USS Oriskany.

Joe’s parents came from Italy and started a truck farming business. Joe continued the operation and established a produce brokerage business, wholesale, packaging and trucking business - Villirillo Gardens.

In 1954, he married Sharon “Sherry” Farrell and they had five children. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and their many pets, going to the casino and growing vegetables, especially tomatoes. He was a member of The American Legion, Italian American Society and the Para-Wings Flying Club.

Joe is survived by his children, Teresa Villirillo, Anne Foote, Michael Villirillo and Janet (Tom) Greene; sisters, Mary (Gerald) Livingston and Annette King; brother, Louie (Connie) Villirillo; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Amy) Nikolas and Elle Greene and Tommy Greene; nieces, nephews, a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luigi and Rose; infant son, Richard; son-in-law, Mark Foote; and his beloved wife, Sherry.

The family will greet friends Tuesday, June 26, 2018 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with the Eulogy at 6:30 p.m. followed by military honors at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Joe will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Furry Friends
Refuge.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com .

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